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The latest BA statement said: "Following the major IT system failure experienced earlier today, with regret we have had to cancel all flights leaving from Heathrow and Gatwick for the rest of today, Saturday, May 27.

"We are working hard to get our customers who were due to fly today onto the next available flights over the course of the rest of the weekend. Those unable to fly will be offered a full refund.

"The system outage has also affected our call centres and our website but we will update customers as soon as we are able to.

"Most long-haul flights due to land in London tomorrow (Sunday, May 28) are expected to arrive as normal, and we are working to restore our services from tomorrow, although some delays and disruption may continue into Sunday."

BA cancels all flights for rest of the day from Gatwick and Heathrow (Image: PA)

Frustrated passengers have complained of huge queues at check ins all day and say they have been left unable to use British Airways' website or app.